United Way stuffs the bus

Mike Campos is one of several resident who donated to United Way's Stuff the Bus campaign Friday. The campaign collects several school supplies for the upcoming school year.(Photo: DeJanay Booth/Current-Argus)Buy Photo

CARLSBAD — Shopping baskets at Albertson's, Wal-Mart and Walgreens in Carlsbad were filling up with school supplies for the annual Stuff the Bus campaign Friday.

Stuff the Bus collects school supplies for Carlsbad and Loving schools as well as Jefferson Montessori Academy. The supplies will be distributed by teachers in all the schools in the districts to students who need them the most.

United Way of Carlsbad and South Eddy County executive director Linda Dodd said "Stuff the Bus" is nothing short of what the organization does with the help of local shoppers. Dodd said United Way has a bus at both Wal-Mart and Walgreens they're hoping to fill by Saturday afternoon. She said in past years, the campaign was only at Wal-Mart, but the organization decided to branch out to other locations.

Dodd said the supplies give students a sense of preparedness for the new academic year, especially those students whose families cannot afford supplies. The drive helps ensure that those students have what they need to succeed in school.

Principal Fran McCarthy of Monterrey Elementary and Assistant principal Denice Peterson of Ocotillo were helping out with the annual campaign at Walgreens.

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Members of United Way and school principals Denice Peterson and Fran McCarthy collected school supplies at Walgreens for Stuff the Bus. Other members are also collecting supplies at Albertson's and Wal-Mart.(Photo: DeJanay Booth/Current-Argus)

"It's great to have (the principals here) because they're talking to people," Dodd said.

Peterson said the campaign would not be possible without the community. As an assistant principal, she said she wants to make sure the students are always ready.

"It's makes them feel good," Peterson said.

United Way volunteer Wendy Ricer said the campaign has been successful in past years and expects this year will be no different.

Ricer, who was helping collect supplies at Albertson's, said each location has a team and the team with the most donations will receive the travelling trophy.

Residents can donate at the three locations Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.